Hague blasts Argentina over Falklands

William Hague has accused Argentina of "bullying and intimidatory" behaviour over the Falklands, insisting the islands will remain British for centuries.

The Foreign Secretary has dismissed claims from Argentinian counterpart Hector Timerman the Falkland Islands will be controlled from Buenos Aires within 20 years.

Hague says the suggestion is a "fantasy" and the tactics adopted by Argentina are counterproductive.

On a visit to London last week Timerman refused to attend a meeting with the foreign secretary because representatives of the islanders were present.

Timerman told reporters that as far as Buenos Aires was concerned, Falkland islanders do "not exist".

But Hague told The Sun: "This is a community that is nearly 200 years old. They seem very determined to remain British.

"If there's any chance they would change their minds, the approach by Argentina is completely counterproductive.

"It only fortifies the islanders' determination to stay British. It is only going to add to the decades and centuries that the Falklands will remain British."

The islanders will vote in a referendum next month on whether they wish to remain a British overseas territory.

The Foreign Secretary said: "Mr Timerman made a couple of extraordinary statements, one of which was that Falkland islanders don't exist.

"I can tell him they very much do exist and they are in good heart and great shape.

"I met two members of their assembly a few days ago and they, like us, are determined about their future. It was a pity he wasn't here.

"He had asked to see me and I was happy to meet him. But in any discussions about the Falklands, the islanders will always be present."

Hague said the current Argentine government, led by president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner had shunned a process of diplomatic dialogue, moving "into a pattern of bullying and intimidatory behaviour towards the Falkland Islands".

He said: "It would be better to talk to the islanders rather than deny their existence or claim Argentina will have the islands within 20 years. These things are fantasy.

"We shall never negotiate about the sovereignty of the islands, unless the islanders wish it."